The penultimate race of the CC6’s saw some glorious weather as the series returned to an old route. Recently the Badger Farm edition has seen lots of loops and lots of single track jollying directly behind the back of the ridge, but thankfully we were taken out and around to Oliver’s Battery, bit more scenic, bit more muddier, so all good.
We began with a tour of the ridge with some very affable and curious British White cattle watching procedings, before making our way via the side track back to the top of the ridge overlooking Sainsbuy’s. We then crossed over the bridge that spans Badger Farm road to begin a nice downwards sprint towards Compton, and this was where the majority of the mud was to be found, very much cattle country, but the mud was agreeable and didn’t end up being a big obstacle.
The next leg was a tough and steep climb to begin the bigger loop towards the meadow that is behind Oliver’s Battery and next to a recreation ground. This part was nice and open so plenty of room for manoeuvre and overtaking if you had the legs left. We again crossed over the bridge and down to the bottom end of the ridge before circling back towards the orientation table and the finish funnel. A tough but rewarding route, which had a little bit of sunshine and blue sky, barely a whisper of wind and lots of good healthy fresh air.
Special shoutout to our bovine spectators and to Jay making a Wessex debut, hopefully the first of many. Attendance numbers were 217 runners and 5 WRR’s made it home safely in the order of Phil 57, Mike 70, Jay 92 Richard 199, David 191. Next fixture is at Itchen on 10th March, see you then!
Many thanks to David for the top photo and to the various photographers snapping away on the day https://www.facebook.com/groups/742249987907290/
Full results at https://cc6.co.uk/2024/02/11/race-6-results-3/
Wessex Road Runners 